The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has introduced the “SMEDAN Speed Pitch”, a business pitch competition aimed at enhancing financial literacy and providing opportunities for women-led businesses to access funds for growth.
Scheduled for May 1, 2024, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, the first edition of the pitch competition will be part of the NSME Engagement Series hosted by Engr. Jennifer Adighije, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship and Innovation/Digital Economy. Charles Odii, the DG of SMEDAN, highlighted that the initiative aligns with SMEDAN’s ‘GROW Nigerian’ strategy, focusing on boosting local production by providing SMEs with resources like markets, knowledge, mentorship, and tools for sustainable growth and prosperity.
To participate, businesses must be female-owned, registered, and operational for at least three years. Applications are open from April 24 to April 27. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a selection process, with the top five performers presenting their pitch at the main event. The winner will receive one million naira for workforce support, procurement of work tools, and business expansion, while runners-up will receive 300k and 200k respectively, along with free Business Development support.
Source: Daily Trust